Beautiful South Africa & Whale Watching
Day 1
Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel where you will be staying for 3 nights.
On arrival, check in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight: Fire & Ice Hotel
Standard room on a bed and breakfast basis for three nights
HIP Hotel in the 3-star market setting new trends in the hotel industry. The hotel is situated in Bree Street, which is close to Cape Town City center. The hotel consists of 98 double and 32 single rooms. All rooms feature an open plan en suite bathroom with large shower, magnificent views over Table Mountain or Signal Hill, large executive desk with international electrical points and wireless internet connections, LCD flat screen TV, air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities and telephone. Hotel facilities: private sound room, Lounge Bar, Terrace, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Pool Deck, Rock climbing feature on side of the building.
Day 2 – Day 3
The days are at your leisure to enjoy the “Mother City” and V & A Waterfront.
Some of the attractions not to be missed when visiting Cape Town:
- A trip to the top of Table Mountain
- Sundowners at the V&A Waterfront
- A drive to Cape Point, stopping off in Hout Bay
- A tour of the wine district with its beautiful scenery and architecture
- Tea at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- A tour of the historic Groot Constantia Estate
- Exploring the Public Gardens and South African Museum
- Bargain hunting on Greenmarket Square (daily) or Green Point Stadium (Sundays)
Optional sightseeing tours available in Cape Town:
Cape Peninsula tour
Cape Town City and Table Mountain
Winelands tour
Overnight: Fire & Ice Hotel
Day 4
This morning your rental car will be delivered to your hotel.
Depart Cape Town and travel to Hermanus, which is a 2-hour drive. Hermanus is one of the most sought after holiday destinations for eco-tourist and nature lovers. Home of the Southern Right whale it offers everything from whale watching to shark-cage diving, paragliding to golfing. The region also boasts some of the countries top wine estate. Cultivars such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive on the slopes of the Hemel-and- Aarde Valley, which are cooled by the prevailing sea breeze.
Overnight: On the Cliff Guest
Standard accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights Whale Rock Lodge
At the guest House all rooms have panoramic sea views ideal for whale watching and are fully en-suite with king-size beds, private balconies or patios and luxury fittings.
Hermanus has wonderful beaches stretching for miles and swimming areas with lifeguards. One can also arrange whale watching cruises, scuba diving, paragliding, horse riding on the beach, fishing, golf, quad biking, sea kayaking, wine tasting at top wine estates surrounding Hermanus, trips to the penguin colony, 4x4 beach picnics, etc. Walk from our front gate along the cliffs to town or the New Harbour and watch whales jump or swim sometimes so close you feel you can touch them or just sit and enjoy the stunning tranquility and beauty.
Day 5
Today includes a whale watching boat tour, there are various departure times available, please let your Travel Agent know you time preference. The departure times are:
07:00 / 09:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 - All departures are Weather permitting
Make your own way to the New Harbour 15 min before the departure time of the tour. You will then enjoy a introductory 10 minute talk on the whales. During the trip you might see 3 types of whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and a variety of sea birds. The tour last for approximately 2 hours.
Snacks, mineral water and soft drinks will be served during the trip.
Overnight: On the Cliff Guest
Day 6
After an early breakfast, depart Hermanus and travel to Knysna, situated on the Garden Route. Knysna is situated about 4 and a half hours drive away.
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn
The Knysna Log Inn is one of the largest log structures in the Southern Hemisphere, with exquisitely carved solid Yellowwood trunks, which tower upwards and was created to blend in with the natural surroundings. It is well positioned near the Knysna Waterfront and within easy walking distance of the central business area. The 57 rooms are stylishly decorated and all have air-conditioning. The hotel has an in-house restaurant, which is open for dinner for the guests. The ferries at the Waterfront, the many pubs, restaurants, shopping areas are all in walking distance of the hotel.
Day 7
The day is at your leisure to explore Knysna and the surrounding areas.
Knysna, the Town itself hosts many arts and crafts galleries and shops. Enjoy coffee under the oaks at a local coffee shop and you will catch snatches of the many languages of the world being spoken around you. Peace and tranquility are guaranteed on and around this pristine river estuary. Enjoy canoeing, bird watching, walking and hiking in the nearby forests.
The restaurants and pubs in and around the town offer a similarly wide variety - you’ll find local and continental cuisine to suit every budget and taste. Of course, you’ll want to try the famous Knysna oysters, and almost every single restaurant serves these succulent morsels fresh from the local oyster farms.
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn
Day 8
Depart Knysna and make your way to Kariega Game Reserve situated in the Eastern Cape. The drive is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
On arrival at the lodge you will have time to freshen up before your late afternoon/evening game drive in open vehicle with qualified game ranger.
On your return to the lodge, dinner will be served.
Overnight: Kariega Game Lodge
This malaria free game reserve incorporates contrasting riverine, bushveld and grassland eco-systems and hosts more than 25 species of game. Kariega lodge comprises 21 luxurious and spacious fully serviced 4-star rated 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroomed log chalets, all en-suite with their own viewing decks and some with private pools. Here you can enjoy complete privacy, spectacular views and intimate contact with nature.
A spectacular Architectural Award Winning pub and restaurant, nestled in indigenous bush with commanding views of the reserve, serves tasty traditional South African cuisine or guests can enjoy the experience of a meal in the open-air boma.
Day 9
Full day at Kariege Game Lodge.
A typical day on safari starts at the crack of dawn as the birds announce the new day.
Guests are woken with freshly brewed coffee, and freshly baked rusks. Once up, guests make their way to the rendezvous area. After a quick briefing, they set off in open 4X4 vehicles for an exhilarating morning game drive.
This is a beautiful time to experience the bushveld. As the day breaks, so the wildlife comes to life. With a bit of luck, experience Africa’s Big 5 up close and personal.
After game drive we return to the lodge, arriving back between 08h00-08h30 (depending on activity of game) for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast guests have time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the lodge, or return to their chalet and take a well-deserved nap. For those who are feeling energetic, maybe take a bush walk with your ranger and find out about the finer aspects of the bush.
A light lunch is served around 14h00 and then guests usually rest until the afternoon game drive, which leaves the lodge at around 16h00. At sunset, we stop in a scenic spot and have sundowners, thereafter the game drive becomes a night, arriving back at the lodge around 20h00 for a sumptuous dinner.
Overnight: Kariega Game Reserve
Day 10
After breakfast and an early morning game viewing activity, depart Kariega and drive to Port Elizabeth airport, drop off the rental car at the rental depot in time for your departure flight
